Ravens may be in “in the lead” for OLB Jadeveon Clowney

According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Baltimore Ravens are becoming the favorites to land star pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

“A lot of people in the league believe that in end, he’s going to end up with the Baltimore Ravens,” Pauline said in the latest episode of the NFL Draft Insiders podcast. “The Ravens need an upgrade with their pass rush. The belief from league insiders is don’t be surprised if he ends up with the Baltimore Ravens.”

According to overthecap.com, the Ravens sit at around $16.6 million in effective cap space, which teeters on the edge of Clowney’s previous claim of not signing for less than $17 million. With a couple cuts and maybe an extension elsewhere, the Ravens could free up the money to sign the edge rusher.

Jadaveon Clowney would be an instant upgrade to the Ravens defensive front boasting big names, including Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe and Matt Judon. With Clowney on the opposite side, the loss of Earl Thomas III may not be so feared with four bonafide sack artists to create pressure by the snap of the football.

Over the past three seasons, Clowney has produced 44 tackles for loss, 55 QB hits and 21.5 sacks. Though his numbers with the Seahawks were lower than greatly expected, I believe he could benefit greatly from the talent in Baltimore. Either he would experience fewer double teams or his presence would free up someone else from them. Either way, his addition would only bolster an already deep group.